Lee Radford has explained that Hull FC are busy off the field planning for 2019 in the background as they prepare to start their assault on the 2018 Super League campaign.

The Black and Whites begin the new season in under a week with the visit of Huddersfield Giants on Thursday, February 1 at the KCOM Stadium, but the presence of 11 out-of-contract players has Hull thinking about the future as well.

Radford is delighted with the current state of his squad but admits the club are focused on locking down several seniors to new contracts.

His remarks come in light of star half-back Albert Kelly commenting on a potential NRL return and Carlos Tuimavave discussing his desire to stay at the club.